Renew your season tickets before big January 1st price rises

London Travelwatch, the watchdog representing transport users in and around London, is today reminding people of inflation-busting fare rises, which will come into force on Sunday 1 January 2006 on rail, bus and tube services.

There will be various fare rises on rail journeys around London and on main lines into the capital, as well as on tube and bus journeys in the capital. National rail fares will rise by an average of around 4% and cash fares on the tube by up to 50% on some tickets, and on the bus by 25% from £1.20 to £1.50

Brian Cooke, Chairman, London TravelWatch, said: “We urge passengers to try and renew their tickets, particularly season tickets and travelcards, before the rises are introduced at the beginning of the New Year. We also strongly advise passengers to ensure they are receiving any discounts to which they might be entitled.”

London TravelWatch is also reminding young people under 16 to ensure they have applied for their child Oyster cards, as the old-style photo cards will not be valid after 1 January 2006.

Brian Cooke concluded: “We urge everybody to investigate the cheapest form of travel. Pay as you go Oyster is cheaper on both tubes and buses, and ‘period’ travelcards or bus passes are cheaper than individual fares - it is the passengers’ right to ensure they get the best deal they possibly can.”

London TravelWatch is the new operating name for the London Transport Users Committee. They are the official watchdog representing the interests of transport users in and around London, and independent of the transport operators and government.

December 24, 2005